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Amusement parks #12 in Melbourne

Luna Park Melbourne

4.1 · 9,143 reviews
Nostalgic, loud, and carnival-centric.
Luna Park Melbourne, 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
Interesting facts
1

The Scenic Railway's track design includes a unique system where a human operator must manually control the speed of the carriages using a lever.

2

The park's famous 'Mr. Moon' face entrance has been rebuilt and repainted several times since its 1912 debut to maintain its iconic appearance.

3

The Scenic Railway is one of the only roller coasters in the world that allows riders to stand for the duration of the ride, though they are now seated for safety.

4

The park's carousel, built in 1913, features 68 hand-carved wooden horses and is heritage-listed.

5

The roller coaster tracks are constructed from Oregon pine, which requires constant maintenance and replacement by skilled carpenters.

6

In the 1920s, the park introduced the 'River Caves,' an elaborate dark ride that featured animatronics and scenes from around the world.

Overview

Luna Park Melbourne is a heritage-listed amusement park located on the St Kilda foreshore, established in 1912. It is home to the Scenic Railway, the world's oldest continuously operating wooden roller coaster that still requires a brakeman to stand in the center of the train. The park's iconic entrance is a giant, grinning face modeled after the original 1912 design. It features a mix of historic rides and modern thrill attractions, including the Pharaoh’s Curse and the Enterprise. The site is a prominent example of early 20th-century fairground architecture, maintaining its historic facade despite several renovations over the decades. It occupies a significant position on the Port Phillip Bay coastline. The park remains an active entertainment venue hosting public events and rides throughout the year.

Photo spot

Stand directly in front of the giant open-mouthed 'Mr. Moon' entrance gate for the classic iconic shot.

Insider tips

Check the official website for ride maintenance schedules before visiting, as individual attractions may be closed for periodic safety inspections.

Bring a light jacket, as the park is situated directly on the coast and can become windy in the late afternoon.

Purchase a ride pass online ahead of time to streamline your entry during peak holiday periods.

What to avoid

Avoid visiting during Victorian school holidays or public holiday weekends if you dislike long queues for the major thrill rides.

Good to know

The park typically operates on a reduced schedule during winter months and is frequently closed on weekdays outside of school holiday periods.

Etiquette

Closed-toe footwear is required for most rides; loose items must be secured in lockers provided on-site.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-5 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday afternoons during the shoulder seasons of autumn or spring to avoid school holiday crowds and intense summer heat.
Address
Luna Park Melbourne, 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
-37.868, 144.977
Get directions
Details
Heritage RideScenic Railway (1912 wooden roller coaster)
Classic Attraction1913 Dentzel Carousel

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday afternoons during the shoulder seasons of autumn or spring to avoid school holiday crowds and intense summer heat..

Stand directly in front of the giant open-mouthed 'Mr. Moon' entrance gate for the classic iconic shot.

Close by you'll find St Kilda Botanical Gardens, Catani Gardens, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens.